Just over the stream, across a (future) swinging bridge is Querencia, my artist get-away… made from mud and straw and dreams. The cob cottage ( or “cobbage” ) is primarily a creativity studio- a place for painting, mosaics, collaging, writing and whatever else calls for expression. She is also an oasis for meditation and contemplation- like “still water” in the midst of a noisy, rushing world.

What was once only a vision is now a reality thanks to a community "barn raising" effort May 2011- June 2012.

Sigi Koko ofDown To Earth Design taught us about natural building techniques and imaginative passive solar designs. She helped us lead workshops where people pitched-in and learned "hands-on" about straw-bale/cob construction. It was a beautiful way to build- many helpers, all learning and growing in the process together. Querencia is an intelligent, eco-friendly building sculpted out of natural materials extracted from our own land.

Querencia is a wonderful Spanish word. It’s a little hard to translate- words like “home,” “nest” or “sanctuary” have resonances that can’t quite be trimmed to fit. The cottage is snug, intimate, full of clear light and warm colors. It will inspire and hold all who visit. It is honest and brave and beautiful… it fees like home.

I believe everyone needs a place of their own- to breathe, ponder, and rediscover the sound of their own voice. Sometimes it begins simply as a bench in a garden, or a comfy reading chair. But, eventually, if we are true to our heart’s longings, we dream of a more substantial place- no clocks, no to-do list, no responsibilities and no distractions. A place that sets your spirit free. A place of restoration and imagination. A place to “fill your well”. Querencia is the manifestation of such a dream of mine. If you ask your heart the right questions, it will paint you a clear picture of your own Querencia. Why don’t you ask yours? (Guided Imagery- the cottage).

We held 8 natural building workshops from May 2011- April 2012 to teach participants who then volunteered to help us build Querencia.You can click on any workshop below to enjoy photos of the muddy fun and learning: